District Superintendent Lou DeVlieger took the blame for "dropping this bomb of altering the elementary arts," and residents applauded the openness and attitude of the board and administrators.

About 300 people were in attendance at the meeting, during which 45 teachers who were furloughed or demoted last month were placed back on the rolls.

One of the elements of the academic realignment plan proposed in April -- reducing 13 supervisory positions to four -- was also approved. Board President Maureen Carey opened the meeting with words of gratitude to parents, taxpayers, local and state officials and the governor for the $2.7 million received for the schools.

The board named Christine Kelley, supervisor for mathematics, technology education and business at an annual salary rate of $77,369; Elizabeth McDonald, supervisor for social studies, art and music at an annual rate of $101,422; Maureen Plagge, supervisor for reading, English and world language at a rate of $96,593; and Elisabeth Riches, supervisor for science, family and consumer science and health and physical education at a rate of $85,324.

"The new supervisory positions will focus on curriculum and instruction, formal teacher evaluations and teacher and administrative professional development," Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dan McGarry said. "The supervisors will no longer be a part of (the Upper Darby Education Association)."

DeVlieger emphasized the effort of everyone involved in the crusade to get more money from the state.

"What we did to reach this point after facing a budget deficit of $13.1 million is nearly a miracle," DeVlieger said. "Considering the war we've been through, we have emerged nearly intact. The credit goes to many. We are not opposing forces. We are in this together. Everyone contributed to the win. We are a team. Bringing the best possible education to our children is our only focus. As we move forward, I want to work together as one team with one fight to sustain our programs."

Rachel Ruitberg, an activist in the Save Upper Darby Arts effort, thanked DeVlieger and the board for the attitude change.

"If we had this type of meeting in April we would be miles ahead," Ruitberg said. "The tone of this meeting is so much better."

"These have been a rough few months for all of us," Steven Norris Sr. of Clifton Heights said. "Proposed budget cuts, started at the state level, have had a disastrous effect on our community and some decisions were made threatening to do irreparable damage to our children's education. I would like to thank those responsible for helping to stop and/or prevent much of that damage from happening.

"While I am pleased to see so many furloughed teachers potentially returning to our schools I am still very troubled about our children's future."

Norris was concerned about the lack of librarians in elementary schools.